ONE of the country’s top young performance poets will be bringing his "visceral verse" to Kendal next week as part of an exciting new festival of cutting-edge arts.

Luke Wright is being hailed as one of the UK’s finest exponents of the spoken word and he is heading to the Brewery Arts Centre as part of the White Noise Festival of theatre, poetry and music.

East Anglia-based Luke last visited the Brewery around six years ago and is looking forward to his return trip north to perform his latest show What I Learned From Johnny Bevan on Saturday, February 6.

"I've been to the Brewery a few times now," said Luke. "I love the Lake District and any excuse to come and visit is fine by me. I remember the last time well as it was the day that the Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross 'Sachsgate' scandal broke. Why I remember that I don't know, but I did have a good curry that night so all was not lost!"

Luke’s visit to Kendal comes at a time when performance poetry, as an art form, is thriving in the UK.

"Spoken word has grown immensely in the 16 years I've been doing it. I think it's a medium that suits the times. It's quick to respond to the issues of the day, direct, and can be both funny and moving," said Luke.

"When I started there were perhaps three teenagers in the whole country gigging but there are lots now and they're really good. I hate them. They're after my job and should be stopped!"

Luke counts Northern poets such as Lemn Sissay and John Cooper Clarke – both recent visitors to the Brewery - as major influences.

“Lemn and John were both really supportive of me in my early career. They're both good pals, John especially as I tour the country as his warm-up act. We make each other laugh."

The White Noise Festival is a joint initiative between South Lakeland District Council and the Brewery. The event is designed to introduce young people to cutting-edge art forms but arts lovers of all ages are welcome.

The programme for the two-day festival, which runs from Friday, February 5 to Saturday 6, has been devised in consultation with a group of local young people and, as well as spoken word, the festival includes two live music gigs and a theatre performance.

The first gig is New Transmissions (February 5) which features a line-up of exciting young Cumbrian bands and artists including Carlisle’s Hardwicke Circus - winners of the best band prize at last year’s Cumbria Culture awards - acoustic folk artist Annemarie Quinn and Furness heavy metal duo Cassie.

The headline gig is from acclaimed dance music outfit Dub Pistols (February 6) who have just returned from a major world tour.

Lead singer Barry Ashworth said: “We are delighted to be involved in the White Noise Festival; anything that helps get young people interested in the arts and gives them the confidence to get involved in it has to be a good thing and deserves support."

The theatre element of the festival is provided by the show Women’s Hour.

Commissioned by Camden People's Theatre, it is described as an irreverent, cabaret piece that uses satire, song and comedy to explore how the media portrays women and how that affects the treatment of women in society.

One half of the theatrical duo, Becca Biscuit, said: “We are really excited to be coming to Kendal. White Noise is a great idea and we think Women's Hour will fit right in.

"We love people of all ages and all genders to see our show and young audiences are especially important. It's been variously described by critics as hilarious, irresistible, daring, outrageous, bang-up-to-date and a total must see, so obviously you must!"

There will also be an array of fringe events and workshops including a silent disco, acoustic sessions, 'mocktail' bar, air graffiti wall and a special Question Time with local politicians.

Brewery chief executive Richard Foster said: "Looking at the line-up, you can tell young people have been involved in programming it with, as well as the main events, some unique and innovative fringe attractions. I’d encourage everyone to come down and get a flavour of what promises to be an extremely colourful weekend."

For full details visit www.breweryarts.co.uk or call the box office on 01539-725133.